Meadow was absolutely right in her assessment that Tanis didn't hear her as she attempted to soothe him while drying him off. While it could be attributed to the fact that he was in the recesses of his own mind and not paying attention to his surroundings all that much, it was also caused by the fact that his hearing was singing a whole different tune and making hearing anything else next to impossible. Fear can be a truly powerful weapon if applied correctly, a weapon that Meadow for all intents and purposes used mostly to dry him off, clamber onto his head, and catch chills and sneezes. She literally could've got away with doing anything to him, and while he would vaguely know what happened to him, he wouldn't know who by, or even do anything to remotely stop it. If anything, he's very fortunate that a kind Pokémon like Meadow is the one who took over his reins and guided him back to reality, and not someone with more dastardly deeds in mind. Perhaps there was a Pokémon or two that were hanging around that may have considered it, but opted against it when she showed up with towels. Even so, Meadow was still the one that took advantage of his position and attacked Tanis with a towel. Does that warrant her to suddenly be attacked because she did something while he was incapacitated? Not to his mind. While it is true she affected him somewhat, what she did do didn't wind up harming him in any way, not enough that would make Tanis suddenly want to lash out. He could very well have done, he was that sort of Pokémon that could very well do such a thing, very aggressive and unpredictable at times. Yet Meadow placed her trust enough in him that he wouldn't do something of the sort to her as she dried him off. And she says that she doesn't have any courage!

Tanis remained unawares of generally what was happening with him for a while longer after he was dried off. As his sight returned, he recognised the yellow splodge that had rested on his head to be Meadow, and his hearing returned enough for him to hear what she was trying to say to him. True to her form, exactly as he would've predicted, she was doing nothing more than bringing him back to his senses. It was a tough task to be sure, but one that Meadow seemed more than willing to undertake. Pokémon around could be forgiven for thinking that she was some kind of physician or something similar considering that, along with her actions at this moment, she also played a role in Tanis' recovery back when he was previously injured. She helped him with the bandaging of his arm that he was doing so poorly. Regardless, her antics on his head was ignored at first while he was bringing himself back to being coherent. It soon returned, which saw Tanis witness what he felt was the strangest thing he could just about see. He has met no Pokémon in any way, shape or form that have gotten so close to his face that they were literally draping off him. Proclaiming Pokémon to come to his face and say what they want to say is nothing too unusual, but he didn't think she would take the phrase quite literally. Of course, it's a little different when the Pokémon in question is whispering soothing words to calm you down, that kind of takes things out of context. But it was the way that she was positioned that was most telling about how much she trusted Tanis. She was the closest she had ever been on Tanis since they've met, and indeed she was closer than anyone had ever been with Tanis, full stop.

But it was her injured leg, that's what got Tanis thinking about it. Her injured leg was dangling off to the side of him that he could very easily grab it or do something similar to it with ease. In spite of the pain that the leg may very well have been causing, most prevalent with weight on it obviously, the proverbial apple was dangling right next to him. At this single point in time, he had every means he could ever need to cause sheer and absolute pain to Meadow, whether in jest or intentional. He didn't know if she was even aware of that potential possibility, or if she had, but did it anyway. Perhaps the evilest of Pokémon may very well have considered the vast possibilities of causing havoc and performing such an act and really make Meadow's day miserable. With Tanis' standing, maybe he should've done so. The simple fact is, he had never once remotely considered doing anything of the sort. Yes, what she was doing was... Interesting, and certainly different, but it also felt strangely comforting. His chuckling seemed to cause a little distraction from Meadow's 'work', and begun nuzzling his head with her cheek. So gentle, there was no conceivable way that he could mistake it for an aggressive stance. If it was, then it'd be the worst aggressive motion in history. Although still tensed up, Tanis' body found itself ever so slowly relaxing bit by bit as he succumb to the idea that he was in good paws, and cheek. With that idea set in his mind, he did nothing to the dangling leg, or any other part of her for that matter. The only part he moved was her arm, which he did only after Meadow's intentions were realized. The injured leg, whatever grief it was causing her just by the act of it dangling in mid-air, remained unchanged in its position or stature. She placed her trust in him to not bring grievous harm to her, and her trust has been answered with nothing, which is the best answer she could have maybe gotten.

Meadow tightened the grip of his paw after saying her initial response. Tanis immediately noticed it, obviously, but didn't understand what she was trying to do until she tried to clamber down off his head. The method she was using seemed very unorthodox to be sure, but she wouldn't be denied the salvation of feeling the ground again with her feet. Not one who was going to deny her that right, Tanis slinked his head closer to the ground just a touch to reduce her air time, as well as placing his free paw up against her back, as if he had just placed his paw on a wall. It may have seemed like a very odd thing to do, especially so for any other Pokémon to be sure, but the reason he did it was exactly the same reason that he has done everything else with a flat paw. Proving that his paw is just as good on fur and skin than on a solid tree or a rock, his paw 'strained' as Meadow transferred her weight in an attempt to reach the ground, keeping her position vaguely where she was until she was ready to shimmy down. The idea of using his paw grip in that manner seems odd in description, but still nonetheless effective enough to stop her from accidently tumbling down. Otherwise she brought herself down of her own strength and will, still clinging to his other paw that is. Not a matter that Tanis had any care about, but he did remove the paw that was latched to her back once she got herself down. What Tanis probably should've done instead was hook his free paw around the underside of her other shoulder, lowering her down that way. Instincts were what told him to utilize the back method though, which is why he did that instead of the 'normal' method. That and he didn't really know how'd she feel virtually having herself under his effective control, at least his method she kept some resemblance of control of herself.

She's a grown lady, as she promptly admitted to him. But there was that other word again that he still failed to fully understand: 'Evolve'. That's not the first time that Meadow had claimed about evolution and how much she desperately wanted to evolve into a form she called a Pikachu. But she expressed a little context behind her desire to become a Pikachu this time, explaining a little about her family, that she apparently didn't get along with as much as she might've liked. He thought back to the previous explanation he got about it, namely that her evolving would remove the majority of the failings that she had as a Pichu, shocking herself with her own attacks being the top of the list. As she finished on that particular point, Tanis moved his free paw to his nose, rubbing it briefly on one side as he considered the idea that she might appreciate a little help with reaching whatever it is she actually needs to evolve. Though he had no idea what sort of help he could potentially be considering that he still couldn't grasp the idea that evolution was even something that occurred, let alone that Meadow has the capacity to do it. It did seem like a bit of a painful thing in his opinion, but she is so transfixed on the idea that perhaps it's not and he's just thinking that it is considering it's such a drastic change. At least that's what Meadow said would happen, the reality is that he didn't know what a Pikachu looks like, so he can't really picture Meadow as anything but a Pichu. Not a bad thing of course, should make for a wild turnaround when she does eventually become Pikachu. Hopefully he wouldn't rudely walk passed her once she does.

The explanation derailed to an Oddish briefly, although Meadow never mentions the Pokémon specifically by name, expressing her disdain over her horrific treatment towards it, before she continued with her explanation. With lack of context, Tanis' immediate thoughts went to Lucifer, was she talking about him? It was a possibility to be sure, she certainly wasn't pulling her punches with him, that's for sure. But Tanis was positive that they were both in agreement that it was well deserved, that was the impression he got. No, this is likely another altercation that he knows nothing about, something that, by the sounds of it, she is not too keen to relive in a hurry. The mystery deepens, but Tanis is not really sure if he wants her to bring it up. After all, there's segments that he's done that would definitely cause some concern, especially back in his homeland. He didn't specifically regret them persay, only as a means to an end, but they were not exactly civil, that much could be said for certain. Among other things, they are best left as issues best kept hidden. Tanis knew he wouldn't really want to share such tales without proper reasoning, and while he did believe that Meadow would probably tell him about it should he inquire, he decided against it for that same reason. If she wanted to tell him, it would be on her own discretion, not because he pushed her for it. Besides, it wouldn't change anything between them as far as he was concerned, so it didn't really hold enough significance to him to push the matter. But Meadow is as sweet as her name suggests, tightening her grip on him as she finished explaining her lack of friends in her life. It was a tight grip, but not one that Tanis considered one that hurt, just very firm and a sign of her thoughts at that moment. She could grasp him tighter, he was sure of it. He wouldn't find out however, as she apologized for her grip, and chose instead to claim his arm and begin nuzzling that in much the same way she had his head earlier.

But her lack of friends was definitely a matter that he could at least sympathize with her about. Whether it's combined with the fact that he's a fighter and frequently picks fights, through lack of trying, or because folks know of his past undertakings, so to speak, Tanis is similarly not in the position that he could be classed as having a friend aside from Meadow. Unfortunately it's mostly because he's simply been among the wrong sort of crowd for the most part. Sure, there are Pokémon that he can immediately think of that would assist him in exchange for another service, but that is not what he would consider calling a friend. In fact, the closest that he could consider calling a friend is the Leavanny tribe that nursed him while he was gravely injured, his first actual known memory that could be classed as a 'past'. The rest are either Pokémon he thought he could trust, or just flat out despised him or wanted nothing to do with him. It's vaguely the same sort of treatment he's getting here. Admittedly Ivysaur is proactively the only one actually doing that at a consistent basis. The only Pokémon who is even remotely giving him the light of day, is Meadow. He did consider the fact she may have been trying to get in his good graces for a potential Favor in the future. Maybe she still is deep inside, but Tanis isn't convinced that's the case now. The way that Meadow has been treating him, even now as she has been distracting him from the rain and generally attempting to comfort him in a way he was sure Meadow would find second nature, as she admitted herself. Is it any wonder why he suspects that she's kind-hearted, well-mannered and with no other motive than to have friends?

Wouldn't wrong her though! Even that made Tanis creeped out a bit...

At that precise moment, the weather took another turn for the gloomy as a roll of thunder echoed throughout the city, and ultimate breached the pair's ears. Most importantly, Tanis heard it clash in the sky that it bought forth another physical flinch from himself. It was very difficult to ignore the rain hammering down from the sky when there's constant audio cues making quite certain that Tanis was being given constant reminders that he's virtually five feet away from being in a downpour. The thunder sound itself wasn't specifically what he was afraid of more than what he knew what such a result would do, and the profound effect it had on the weather. In spite of temptation to look out at it or upwards in general, Tanis closed his eyes and attempted to place his focus on the arm Meadow was nuzzling against. As weird a sensation that it was, it was something that derailed from what else he didn't want to think about... Perhaps that's the reason she's doing it all! It made a whole lot of sense that everything that she has been doing with his head and now his arm. By keeping him thinking about something, or someone, else, he's not thinking about what's going on around him, which is the last thing he wants to do. The initial reaction of the thunder began to diminish like the previous times, his tension relaxed again under Meadow's claimed protection, and his arm, alongside his heart rate and blood pressure. It took him a good bit of time between her last words, and before Meadow asks about what he wanted to talk about. It wasn't much, but he wanted to do it at least due to all the trouble that he had been causing. Awkwardly, Tanis placed his free paw on Meadow's head, brushing her ears slightly as he tried to pet and scratch her head by moving his paw from side to side briefly. Once again, his paw make-up of gripping to surfaces make it an impossible task as all he ends up accomplishing is ever so slight movements to each side, his paw otherwise refusing to do what he wants to do. "Y-You're doing plenty!" Tanis managed to squeeze out from his unfulfilled relaxed state. "... Distracting me is working. Keep doing that." He confirmed that distracting him from what was actually going on around him was working far more than what he would be doing otherwise, that being sitting in a corner as small as possible and waiting for it to pass, shaking and shivering all the while.

Still, Meadow posed the main question to Tanis, finally beginning what she had longed for since their initial meeting, albeit perhaps not quite in the situation that they both found themselves in. Tanis already knew exactly what he wanted to ask her, and while he was still somewhat shaky and not quite at the mental capacity that he would've liked, fortunately remember what he wanted to know was already on the forefront of his mind, he simply needed to recall it. That and figure out some way to voice it appropriately without making it sound like he was mocking her or something similar to it. Whatever train of thought he had at that moment was broken upon the arrival of one final sound from Meadow, in the form of a sneeze. It didn't shock Tanis, but it did cause him to take notice right away, if his attention was lost from Meadow, it was regained now. Without so much as even contemplating what sort of act would do or why he would even do it, Tanis uttered his comment heartedly, yet automatically. "Bless you..." After having said it, he never really recalled a single situation in which anyone he was with actually sneezed, or at least enough for Tanis to remotely care enough to pass such a simple two words that hold so much meaning. That and further proof he never heard Meadow's sneezes earlier. Overall he wasn't too concerned over whether Meadow was coming down with something or not, she seemed of good health bar her leg at the shop, and last he checked a leg injury wouldn't be a cause for anything revolving around sneezing, not anything he knew of at least. This was likely something that would pass on its own. Considering they were both in the rain, Meadow likely more than him, she likely got wet herself and that's the reason she's sneezing: An aftermath of getting wet. Admittedly she didn't look like she got too wet, but then again neither did he, and if those wet garment things he's looking at discarded on the ground is anything to go by, he could guess why. Meadow is probably trying to hide the fact she is cold, that was Tanis' conclusion.

Come to think of it, there's been a lot of shivering by both of them as of late...

It took Tanis a little longer than it should've done to reach the conclusion that he did on having a way he could perhaps assist, if just as thanks for bringing him around sooner from his fear attack. Letting out a smile, he spoke as much as a sly Pokémon would who had an idea, but wasn't sharing it. "Turn around Meadow... Your back to me." An unusual request to be certain, but he does help her in shifting her position and getting her seated on the floor in front of him by using the arm she had claimed to pivot her, before ultimately reclaiming the arm back. If nothing else but a temporary measure while he reached behind himself, to the back of his neck, sat crossed legged as he did so. "There is one thing I'd like to know, actually... Been wondering it for a while now..." As Tanis spoke, he fiddled with the scarf that he has draped around his neck and dangling down his back. He had placed it in a simple knot that would stop it from coming undone and blowing away, it's his preferred method, even if he doesn't usually wear scarves. He did today because it was predicted to be cold, and yet here was Meadow braving the elements without such an item, that's some bravery! Undoing the knot took a surprisingly longer amount of time than he would've preferred it, but after a minor wrestling match which involved a lot of elbow movement, movement Meadow could feel if she sat close enough, he finally managed to get the silk scarf undone, sliding the remains off his neck by tugging at one end. The scarf off, his neck rebelled by suddenly making him regret it by sending a chill down his spine from the removal of warmth. He didn't care, he had another plan for his scarf, and it's why he had Meadow turn his back to him. Before that though, he posed his question. "... Why me?"

Obviously that was a question that had multiple meanings with multiple answers along with it. But before he elaborated his query to Meadow, he first swung the scarf over her head, eyes, nose, and draping over her as it suddenly became more than obvious what he had planned and why he was doing what he was doing. Just a pity he left Meadow in a position she couldn't actively stop him. The sneezing indicated she was getting cold, something that Tanis wasn't suffering as much from right now, so he decided he'd give her his scarf to wear. It's not as effective as something as a coat or anything similar, but this was all he had, and thus, it's what she was getting. Bringing the scarf closer to her neck, he elaborated his query. "I get that I was looking lonely, and I was obviously injured, making me stand out over everyone else there. You told me back then that you were shy and didn't talk to others very well. I didn't agree with any of that, until now..." He was obviously referring to the visit at Teddiursa's house, though the encounter with Buizel and technically Buneary in the shop would also count had he known it happened. He admitted that he didn't believe Meadow's claim to being shy to such as that extreme from their first meeting. And most certainly not while arguing with Lucifer, if anything, that was a direct polar opposite to what she was admitting. He didn't mention either of those specifics, only that he didn't fully believe that claim. The pause between that and the next statement was spent in affixing the silk scarf around Meadow's neck, which he did by tightening the scarf around her neck, plopping one of his fingers in-between he neck and the material, and then tightening it as much as he was willing without risking strangulation, and performing a general cross-knot. Weak, but enough to keep it in place while he set it up more properly. Removing his finger again allowed enough slack to prevent the scarf from chaffing, going into positions she wouldn't want, and most importantly, no severe tightness to prevent breathing. Very important, especially when playing around with someone's neck here. "... You never exhibited anything of what I saw you do with Teddiursa when you approached me. Not verbally. Not once!"

"What I'm really asking..." Tanis continued, performing a manoeuvre with the scarf that saw it wrap around her neck a second time, then adding a second cross-knot. This left just enough overflow that equated similarly to how much he had when he wore it. He doubted she would've liked having a knot pressing against the back of her neck, so he opted for a 'tie' solution, keeping it set using two weaker but smooth knots, if they can be called that, and letting it handle the rest that way. The scarf adding reaching its fast conclusion, so to does Tanis' proper query. "... What made me so different to talk to, then... Well... Anyone else, I suppose? Where did your shy behaviour go when you spoke to me the first time?" Thus he asks the question outright as opposed to simply skimming it. He could've asked outright, it would've been the fastest solution, but he wanted to ensure Meadow at least knew that he understood why she approached him, but not so much why she was so talkative with him then, especially considering he was actually trying to tempt her into a fight, which she ultimately didn't bite into and instead continued to try and socialize. It did take her a little time, but eventually the fruits of that labour has paved the way to where they are today: Friends. And while Tanis has no problems with it at all, it's a lingering issue that has plagued his mind, more-so now than it did back then. Also concluded was the tying of the silk scarf on Meadow. Loosely, Tanis lobbed one of the ends over her shoulder, making the scarf end drape over her shoulder and loom around her chest and stomach. Glancing at his work, he peeked over the side to see how Meadow looked. Hardly a fashion expert by any means, but while the colour did seem a bit off, a scarf actually suited her, in his opinion at least. Obviously his own views didn't cater for what she felt looked good on her, and this wasn't exactly meant as a fashion statement. Even so, it didn't stop her from pulling off the scarfed look quite well in his opinion. And he voiced as such. "... Hmm... Pretty good, actually... The only warm thing I have though. Sorry..." He supposed technically his bag could also class as a sort of blocker in preventing the wind from hitting her, but then again she already had a much more superior bag to his that could do the job his bag could do and more.

Although he had moved Meadow in a way that she could no longer do the distraction she was doing originally, so to speak, she still continued to be an aide in that regard by giving Tanis something active to do. Though he still felt, and likely looked, crummy in terms of being out in the rain, his mind was focused on an entirely different matter that didn't even involve what the weather is like. This is exactly what he wants to do in order to bring himself back to his regular self. His query was spoke in his usual manner, somewhat, simply because he was so focused on that as well as the scarf, the rain a mere afterthought that he hadn't even considered. Even as he waited for Meadow to see the scarf on her, respond, and maybe retake his arm to nuzzle it some more, his focus was on her. Though it doesn't specifically have to be on her entirely, it's better on her rather than somewhere that would cause his fear to kick in again. Though claiming to be in-denial of it would still be hilarious! Regardless, he hoped she wouldn't mind having the warmth of his scarf on her, if just at least for now to alleviate some of her sneezing.

Delightfully, and perhaps with a degree of trust that Tanis had yet to fathom to the point of him knowing the full reason why yet, Meadow obliged him after an initial quizzical look at his request for her to turn around. Admittedly he was vague about his request as to why he wanted her to do so, though the reason was simply because he had an overwhelming feeling that if he declared his intent to give her his scarf, she would likely tell him no and refuse to do so, likely followed by pouting that would make Tanis feel just as horrible as his dreaded fear-inducing occurring just feet away from him. Despite obvious questions in the mind, Meadow turned around anyway and granted him access to her back. That was a clear display of trust if ever he saw it! He did instruct her in the hopes that she would do it, and he did have the feeling that she would do it. He wasn't planning on doing anything scrupulous, unless suffocating her for a split second could be considered as such, but Tanis didn't exactly give out any real hints as to what he was going to do once she did so. With her back now to him, she had effectively exposed a blind side to a Pokémon that she firmly believed in her mind that he wouldn't do anything she wouldn't want him to. Though the debate as to whether or not she would yell at him for giving up his scarf for her was still technically something she may not have wanted him to do. It was too late by that point however, the deed had been done and it was far too late for her to protest the matter, the scarf had changed paws and she was wearing it now. The knot that he applied to keep it around her shoulders had to be designed tighter, and the overall middle hole of the scarf smaller, which was purely a result of Meadow's size, which in turn meant there was additional overall length of the excess. He hadn't actively considered that, and while he didn't have any way to measure any of it, he made a premature guess that the scarf wouldn't touch the ground... Just. It would be close, that's for sure.

Thus left him with the dilemma that Meadow promptly realized as she was deliberating the query he posed to her. She had done an excellent task of drying the both of them off as a direct result of being in the rain, which naturally prevented them both from catching worser colds and chills than they had already, and not to mention Tanis' debilitating issue which was the core reason behind it in the first place. That being said, Tanis did have his scarf which proved invaluable in keeping the heat within his body, it was the primary reason that he wore the thing today of all days, ignoring the fact that it was something he found not too long ago. With him now having given it to Meadow, as the more worse off of the two of them at this present time, he felt justified that his logic behind his gesture, as questionable and 'righteous' as it may have seemed, was no less a sound one. Besides, he felt indebted to her for taking the time, energy and likely money that it took to acquire the towels in the first place. Tanis didn't have any idea how or where she found any of them, let alone multiples, but Meadow most certainly didn't have them with her at the time. After all, she had nothing on her and he still had her bag. Granted, it was possible that they were in her bag and she retrieved them from its contents without him realizing it, he wasn't exactly in the best perceptive situation to realize what she was doing, but he had a feeling she didn't due to the lack of forced resistance on him until after he got buffeted by one of the towels, covering his face. He concluded it was a towel considering she started rubbing his face with it not long afterwards, and it made the most sense. In spite of all of this, it were still her towels as far as he was concerned, and she stepped up and brought him back to a more stable state than if he were left to his own devices and recover normally, which he might very well have still been doing right now. If he didn't know any better, it would've seemed like she was trying to accrue more Favors for something else from him, perhaps more talks in the future?

… Maybe Tanis should tell her that it didn't matter now...

But the end result of giving Meadow his scarf, while on the positive for one of them, would have a negative implication on the one losing the material for the act. So as Meadow pondered the question Tanis sent to her, which he would admit was perhaps not as well explained as he would've wanted, the winds and the general chill of the air struck his body like a tidal wave. Not helping was the heavy rain driving down the temperatures further through condensation, which would no doubt play a larger part later in the day. It still no less made Tanis' core temperature start to drop, resulting in the continuation of his shivering, now replaced with cold more-so than nerves, which ended with him crossing his arms across his chest in a vain attempt to keep the heat in his body. The true problem with this entire situation, was that there was rain and, more importantly, cloud, which prevented the sun rays from breaking through. Tanis would otherwise be more resilient to the cold and would make all of this less problematic than it actually is. As it is, combined with the fact that he's a Grass type that do have a specific weakness for all things cold anyway, it made the decision all the more curious as to why he sacrificed his scarf for the sake of keeping Meadow more warmer than she wasn't beforehand. He never really gave it a second thought as it wasn't the first time he's had to brave the elements, with varied results. Moving was his typical answer at this stage, though doing that with the bane of his existence occurring a mere few feet away was not any more appealing, and over-ruled the idea entirely in favour of simply continuing to sit by Meadow and shivering instead.

The thunder, with albeit no lightning, intensified only briefly as the storm swam past them both overhead, and continued rolling towards the horizon, the thunder could still very much be heard, but the rain still made its presence felt by hardly relenting its onslaught towards the store's tarp or the streets that was starting to look like a shallow river creating small waves as it travelled down the roads like a non-steep waterfall. Tanis had, for the most part, kept his attention to Meadow, whose helpful kindness, gentle nature, tenacity and arguably humorous tendencies and mannerisms did assist in alleviating the continuous presence of the rain's continuous pressure on his mental state. Namely to the point that he was kind of tolerating it, by simply ignoring the fact it was there. It was an extremely difficult process to commit to fully however as it was hard to ignore thunderous booms and the loud sounds that came from the rain drops that battered everything around, excluding the two of them of course. In all honesty, he wasn't expecting her to perform a sort of miracle that would completely drown away everything besides herself. It certainly didn't stop her from trying, and what she was doing was more than enough to keep him from being a quibbling and shaking frame in a random corner, likely inside a store of all places. He had considered going into a shop anyway, as inside was better than outside in this instance, but Meadow seemed content to stay outside, so he stayed too. The fact that she was utilizing it to fulfil the Favor that she had on him also aided in focusing his attention more on her than on the rain. Up until that point, it was safe to say that a little more than half of his attention was on her, occasionally sharing a side-glance towards the rain to ensure it wasn't creeping up on him somehow, shivering inwardly as a result and cursing it some more before returning to whatever required his attention at that moment. Recently, it was shivering from the cold. As Meadow spent her time contemplating his query, the silence gave him a small amount of time to concern himself about his predicament. His eyes had temporarily darted to the outside rain when Meadow did... Well.. Something Meadow-like. Was it unexpected? It probably shouldn't have been. Did Tanis expect it? Absolutely not!

To Meadow's credit, her logic was perfectly sound and had perfect cause and reason existed. She had been sat relatively close to him from the outset, made more evident to within easy arm's reach considering he put his scarf on her. What he hadn't expected was Meadow to use that to literally sit on him and grapple his waist with her arms. Of course, malicious intent was never intended to be the cause considering how gentle she was being with wrapping her small arms around his waist and connecting to his back, or partially to his back considering she unfortunately couldn't join her paws together. Nonetheless, his body immediately tensed and froze up as an immediate reaction, mostly because she was using him as a one foot climbing frame, in his mind at least, and partially because she was doing this still with her injured leg, he wanted to avoid aggravating it further by making a sudden move and making her lose balance from what he thought was an uncomfortable position. He didn't think that sitting on someone's lap would be an excellent chair choice, and initially figured that maybe she was just doing one of her hugs that she had done to him before they properly made their way to Teddiursa's house. Not only was he wrong, but she had begun actively answering his query still perched on his lap and her arms around his waist. She was there to stay! His eyes were wide, and he did feel rather uncomfortable with having a Pichu latched onto him all of a sudden without what he felt was a proper reason. A hug out of nowhere was one thing, staying locked into the glomp for an extended time was starting to push a sort of boundary that Tanis wasn't sure if he should intervene or keep her there.

Slowly, he uncrossed his arms, as Meadow explained to him her shortcomings and what she felt of Tanis' situation when they first met. He had obviously pegged her as someone that she had already admitted she was to him before, but was aware of it herself and was at least trying to rectify it by socializing. Declaring that she was terrified of Tanis himself didn't shock him in the slightest, he's not exactly the social butterfly himself after all. He did feel a ping of guilt flow through his mind when he connected her terrified state with the fact that he was trying to pick a fight with her on their first discussion with each other. He didn't know if she realized it herself, but it was her tenacity and perseverance to ignore those attempts and continued to try and socialize with him that had led them to the stage where they are mutual friends. Tanis would admit that he didn't see Meadow in that regard until after the Lucifer fight, more of an acquaintance rather than a friend. Regardless of how lonely or sad he may have looked prior, which he might've done for all he knew, here they both are now, shivering together in a huddled bunch together. Was she expecting such a hard-hitting result like this when she first met Tanis? She clearly had her own idea of what she sees in him that even he is sure even exists in him, but he knows what he sees in her, and none of it ultimately changes how he views her as a Pokémon and as a friend. Perhaps time will mend the troubles that plague her and her socializing problems, but for now she seems content to keep what she has. And that is the ultimate view Tanis sees in Meadow: She has few friends, but she cherishes every single one she has.

The idea is only further cemented when she takes advantage of the opportunity of him unfolding his arms, and her regained reach on him, to place her head on Tanis' chest and rubbing her cheek against him. The lap sitting and the prolonged hugging was awkward, but somewhat tolerable, but this breached a stage that he had no idea why she was doing it. No-one had ever done this in the past with him, and he wasn't sure why she was doing it now. Yet in spite of it all, she looked so content, humming to herself a tune he didn't recognize with her eyes closed and continuing the 'massage' of his chest. Was this even a situation that he should be stopping if she was fine with it herself? After all, she sat on his lap, she wrapped her arms around him, she placed her head on his chest, he didn't exactly force her into any of it.... Technically anyway. In a moment of what could be considered slight self-preservation and attempting to find any kind of answer for it, all he managed was a less than controlled "Umm..." and got as far as placing his left paw on her left shoulder, with the intent on at least attempting to try and dislodge her from him. That was until she finished off the answer to his query by claiming that maybe she felt like he needed her. Tanis... Didn't really have anything he could say or do to that statement that wouldn't make him sound like something out of a scary movie. It definitely stopped him from pushing her away though, as his paw remained on her shoulder as he looked down at her, whom alternatively wasn't looking at him and remained as she was a moment ago, only without the humming now. She really did believe what she was thinking, and whatever her reasons may have been, and however right or wrong they were, her final thought process on the matter was spot on: It doesn't ultimately matter. Whether Tanis wanted her companionship at that moment or not was a moot point, as it's the here and now that's the most important thing at this point. And right now, they were here. The past shapes the present and future, regardless of what winds up happening in it.

As if she was perhaps sensing that Tanis was considering peeling her off him with his paw still on that shoulder of hers, She suddenly exclaimed her lack of preparing anything for herself, and thanking him for his scarf. This twigged a spot of inspiration in him that he hadn't initially considered before, and not only was he not aware of it, she had inadvertedly performed two things that he hadn't considered before, though he only realized one of them. She was sharing her warmth with him, which was an act that he had never considered doing before now, but she had enacted upon, and was succeeding nicely in doing. By holding Tanis close to herself, Meadow was sharing not only the scarf, but also her own core body temperature and sharing it with him. Though he was doing his best to hide it, with mixed results, Meadow felt him physically shaking the moment she latched onto him. In part because of the cold, though also in part because he was still reacting to the ongoing rain. Not only was she doing a superb job of sharing her warmth with him, and vice versa of course, the shivering from being cold had diminished. Not to mention that her recent acts of getting so close to him has forced his attention back onto her, whether she had intended for it to or not. Though she had it to start with, by doing the unusual and the unexpected, in his mind at least, his attention was now firmly locked on her, and just like herself, he wasn't paying any sort of attention to what was going on around him, which in turn reduced the shivering further as he wasn't thinking about his fear, making him calmer. In Tanis' mind however, he has all but forgotten that it's still raining with his attention driven from it. Instead, all eyes were on Meadow herself. As for the heat sharing, that part he had twigged on, and fully explained away what she had been doing. It didn't make him feel any less uncomfortable about the entire ordeal, but Tanis was at least more accepting of the idea.

The sneaky Pichu!

This came in the form of the paw that was on her shoulder. Originally intended as a deterrent and maybe getting her off him. Whether she realized that was the intent or not, he didn't know. But whether she did or not, that paw had since left that position in favour of going on her back instead. This was his way of trying to say that he was generally okay with it, and was fine with her staying sat on him like this. Admittedly he could've simply said it rather than wrap his left arm around her side and place his firm grip on her back like that, but as they say, actions speak louder than words. After all, she did exactly the same thing to him this entire time, so it could also be called getting his payback and giving her a little taste of her own medicine, implying of course that she would dislike the act, which she might. Though he did think that since she was so willing to stick so close to him and share her warmth without a protest or a question, he figured she wouldn't object too much to him placing a paw on her just to ensure she didn't go anywhere she didn't want to go should she somehow lose her balance. She hadn't so far, her arms and his waist made quite certain of that, but he saw no issues with having a back-up plan. His other arm remained free and behind himself, to prevent him from falling backwards should he, for some reason, start to flake out again and cause them both to topple over, likely into a humorous pile of arms, legs and tails. For her recent foray at an attempt of socializing with a Pokémon, and a stranger no less, Tanis would have to say that it was a resounding success. He was content with the answer he got, and while it did raise a couple of minor queries, the core bulk of what bothered him about her was covered nicely. At least enough that he didn't feel a need to call up on it again in a hurry. If only all Pokémon had the same bravado that Meadow displayed in that instance in everything they do.

The silence that allowed him the time to consider the idea behind Meadow's response broke soon thereafter with a question that she also wanted to probe him with. Although he could maybe have attributed this to her wanting to do so only after he asked her something similar to make her feel less bad for doing so herself, he didn't think about it in any way. She said her pieces about wanting to ask something else well, which broke him out of his thoughts and have him lock eyes with her again. Now she was looking up at him, away from whatever tune she seemed content to hum to herself... He really should ask her what it is she's humming. As she continued to mention matter of factly about their standing, he had a pained feeling suddenly boil in his stomach. He felt like he wasn't going to like what she was about to ask him. Sure enough, he was right. The fact she said Lucifer's name first was a cause for concern on its own, but it was hearing the word Outlaw that immediately made Tanis grimace. Further evident by the grip on his left paw, on Meadow's back, tightening as his body flinched at just the mere mention of the title. There's that stupid word again that is the literal bane of his very existence! As of now, he had neglected to even bring it up with Meadow with the fear that the branding would stray her away from him. He had a feeling that she'd maybe bring up what he did for a living as a part of her 'Favor', which would follow into his known past before his memories becomes a blank slate, which would undoubtedly turn her away, and that would basically be the end. Of course, things didn't pan out that way, and he grew fond of being around Meadow both as a battler and as a friend. What wasn't a problem for him at that time has become a serious issue that he wanted to avoid if he could... But there it was, she's bringing it up, and there's a very limited window to leap out of it.

Meadow lays claim that it wouldn't affect their current standing, and while she could maybe accept a bold-faced lie by telling her it was a lie on Lucifer's part, she'd likely accept that answer with his word over a murderer who threatened her. But then what would she do if she later found out that Tanis was lying? Though he considered the prospect that she'd be okay about it in the end, the immediate hit he felt would probably hurt more than any attack on her would. As tempting as a lie might be in this situation, a liar he was not. Tanis could be labelled as many things, some of which being true, but a liar is not one of them. Though it's not because he makes for a bad liar, but rather because he hasn't really told a proper white lie. Yes, he bended the truth a touch to make it sound better than it really is, but he could never be told it was an actual lie, just more of a half-truth that was mostly correct. The answer is actually so straight-forward, it's almost laughable: Yes, he's an Outlaw, there's nothing else that really needed to be said. So why did the prospect of actually saying something that blatantly clear to Meadow wracked him with so much more guilt than it has done in the past whenever anyone else asked him a similar sort of question? Deep down he knew why, he just didn't want Meadow to label him as an Outlaw and desert him as any other potential 'friend' has done with him. Not when he's tried to keep his nose clean while within the walls of Invictus. Sure, he's not perfect, but he's been trying and he hasn't caused a city-wide riot yet... That counts for something, right? Ivysaur wants to kill him and there's plenty of eyes suspiciously watching his every move, but was that ever unusual?

Meadow concluded her question, finalizing her question with why other Pokémon consider him as an Outlaw. It was at that point that he decided on what he was going to do for his answer. He wouldn't beat around the bush or try to twist his response in a manner that may dash her hopes of getting a proper answer out of him. He would tell it to her straight, leaving her with no doubt about his answer, and she can determine right here and now what she wants to do or say to him and get it out of the way before either of them become more emotionally attached. Arguably, it may be too late for that, but that was Tanis' rational way of thinking. Plus if he comes clean about it all now, at least Meadow will know that he isn't trying to hide the fact, and she'll know that he's at least honest enough to admit that he's a 'bad guy'. Removing his left paw from Meadow's back, returning it to his side, Tanis lets out an audible and exasperated sigh. From that point, any warm and fuzzy feelings he was feeling from the shenanigans prior to this point reverted him back to the cold-stone reality that is his life. Or what remains of it. "... Well, you deserve to know." Was Tanis' initial response, breaking his silence since she started using him as a chair. They've been through a lot already, and Meadow has gone out of her way to befriend him. He admits it, and thus it's only right that she actually knows just who she is actually associating with, and perhaps garner information on why Ivysaur loathes him with such disgust. It's not made by choice or anything that Tanis has actively done to him more than it's because of his standing. Which is bloated and quite finicky now that he thinks about it. "Pokémon think I'm an Outlaw because, by definition, I'm an Outlaw... Exiled to Invictus because..." Tanis stops, as he scrunches his face attempting to think of just what he was exiled for exactly. He was told what he had allegedly done, and he heard random tales of what he did from witnesses and victims that claimed he did it. But, no matter how much he tried, all attempts he had made back then, as well as right now, to recollect a memory of actually doing the acts comes up with a void of nothing. There is no memory of the encounter, no memory of him doing the deed, or the aftermath, or laughing like a crazy Treecko towering over his adversaries like a Pokémon possessed. There's just.... Nothing. What didn't help was the resulting thinking gave him a headache, forcing him to hold his head as it throbbed to remind him of his pathetic stature. "... Because I apparently did stuff that I honestly don't remember doing..."

Tanis knew that Meadow was a bright Pokémon who he figured would be able to draw her own conclusions as to whether or not she believes him over the fact that he doesn't recollect doing any of the things that they claim he did, yet that didn't stop them from declaring him an Outlaw. Can she hear the honesty in his voice? The honesty in his eyes? Well, he hoped so, because that was really the only answer he could give that didn't involve him conjuring up a memory he didn't have. At the very least, he admitted to being an Outlaw, so why would he then twist the explanation by saying he doesn't fully know the reason when he just confessed to being a labelled Outlaw? With both of his paws behind his back, and having lent slightly behind himself, he didn't prevent Meadow from letting go of him if she decided to. He had an overwhelming feeling that she would, just as the same as anyone else would walk away from him after he admitted to being an Outlaw. To conclude, he opted to summarize what he said, just to make sure she got it, and to leave no doubt in her mind. "There was a trial involved. It's a long and somewhat convoluted explanation that I'll share if you're that interested... But Lucifer was right. I recognized he was an Outlaw because he acted like... Well.. Me, I suppose." There was also the fact that he injured Meadow and threatened to kill Meadow, multiple times, without actually doing it. But he didn't bother saying that bit for two reasons: It was so obvious anyway, and he didn't exactly want to make her relive that little tidbit of a nightmare. But now the much more bigger question now, was what would Meadow do or say in light of Tanis' confession to being an Outlaw. It was the one thing that he was practically dreading, and though he knew in his heart that she would do what everyone else did at that stage, a part of him did feel, or at least wished, that she would hold true to her word, and that anything he would say wouldn't tarnish their friendship. It's very easy to say that she would stay and nothing would change, but reality is a very cunning mistress and is always willing to put small theories like that to the ultimate test. It's one thing to think that someone may be an Outlaw, but might not be, but it's another to actually hear it straight from the source that they are, with no doubt. No sugar-coating, and no but's involved. Meadow knows his personality and just what he does, now it was down to her to weigh everything down and decide just what she wants to do. Maybe she wants to hear more about the exile before making her decision. Or perhaps she will hold true to her word and has already made her decision anyway.

But he will, at the very least, ensure that she has an out and make sure she knows he's not going to tether her down. He could feel himself being weighed down even more than usual, and not because of Meadow either. This would be yet another test, perhaps the biggest one that Tanis would have to face. But he can't ultimately think of anything right away that could top him as something that could test their friendship. He said that Meadow deserved to know, but now that he's told her, the uncertainty of what she now thinks of him is almost making him feel physically sick. He just wanted a sign, something from her that would tell him her opinion now. Even if it's just getting up and walking away, he'd be okay with that, at least then the anticipation would be over, even if it would be with a heavier heart. "... Well, there you go. You know now." He spoke losing his usual vigor, as if he was already expecting the worst and just wanted it done with already. Inwardly he swore he would murder Lucifer if he ever saw him again! Nothing short of Meadow standing in his way would he not tear off every limb off that white fur of his! For now though, his eyes were on Meadow. She had a decision to make, but he wasn't going to rush it. That said, he would love it dearly if she did... If just to stop the general unease that question has caused him towards her... Could they go back to basking in the warmth of each other? He was somewhat enjoying that...

It isn't quite the first instance that he has had a Pokémon that he would have at least partially considered calling someone a friend by some variance of description. However calling someone as a title is one thing, actually meaning it and trusting someone in that regard is something else entirely. The issue isn't so much that Tanis isn't a trusting or social Pokémon, although some of his habits don't specifically help his cause, more than it was because of the other Pokémon themselves. Unfortunately his background, or lack thereof, has otherwise seen him with those that could be considered 'bad' by contrast, or had an ulterior motive or something to gain from him. The most common were travellers or merchants that he had repaid with Favors in exchange for goods or a service he required, usually food. While they had benefitted from his own personal Favor system, none of them really went out of their way to attempt to get near to him, though the reason for it was easily compromised. Some took advantage, some simply didn't want to associate with what could easily be considered a loose cannon. It was fair enough, it made enough sense to Tanis that they didn't want to get to know him, and that was fine, he was content to simply let them go about their business and continue on his way. The few Pokémon he did wind up travelling around for a time with him, it was met with nothing more than hidden clauses and ambushes, only in an attempt to take advantage of a weakened Tanis. There are plenty of other instances besides these ones of course, but the end result always ended up the precise same way, the only difference was the method in which it was reached. That is what had shaped him into a Pokémon who preferred the fight over other means, because if nothing else, a Pokémon's true purpose could be seen through a fight. That and he enjoyed it immensely, which was an additional bonus!

Then Meadow happened.

Her restraint, if it could be called that, was more the fact that Tanis didn't exactly start their first meeting on the most positive of notes, a matter that even he would admit was his doing. His demeanour and attitude were not exactly welcoming factors either, yet ever so slowly, Meadow has unravelled the sheet where Tanis is hiding, and has reminded him that not all Pokémon want to fight him simply to get to know him. Never would he have even remotely considered having someone ride on his back, hold paws or even the single act of placing his paw on her back. Meadow may very well have described it as a giant leap, and she has no idea just how much of a leap it is. Tanis had a small idea that Meadow was likely someone who, much like him, preferred to have actions speak louder than any words could make. Not perhaps a hugger, but more someone who didn't mind standing next to him without feeling uncomfortable or weirded out that they're standing next to someone that wasn't exactly seen as the most nicest of Pokémon. In his entire memory, Tanis has no recollection of any Pokémon be willing to even get close to him or even so much as attempt to be social with him without at least some other undisclosed reason that would surmount to something they want. While technically speaking Meadow is after something from Tanis, it's not anything material or some other thing that would require a Pokémon that isn't quite as upstanding citizen than she is, more than she just seems to want him, or more precisely, to have him open up more to her. So the surprise that came from her virtually having removed the entire 'standing beside him' scenario and transformed it into hugging him tightly and rubbing her cheek against his chest is... Different... But for some peculiar reason, not an uncomfortable one in his own mind. This was absolutely a unique situation that he's found himself in, in that no-one has ever done this before to him, so he wasn't entirely sure what to really make of it at first, hence his position of firstly considering having her stop. He changed his mind when he briefly considered what her position on the matter would be: Meadow would not be actively hugging him like this without some express purpose, and certainly not without at least having the feeling that she was okay with doing it. Plus she felt warm against his colder body since he gave up his scarf, so why would he want to willingly tear her away from doing what she wanted to do? She started it, so why should he end it just because it was a little awkward at first? Admittedly it still sort of is, but at this stage, he didn't have much of a problem with it being Meadow doing it. With a Pokémon like Ivysaur or the Teddiursa? That's a different story. Tanis feels like he can trust Meadow at this stage by now, so why not let her have her way for now? It wasn't hurting him, and it was comforting in a way that, while being awkward, was still quite nice. Hence he furthered the prospect by placing his left paw on his back, if nothing else a signal that he didn't mind it, if not the response she was ultimately seeking herself. She wants him to be a hugger? It's on!

He didn't exactly make things any better when he stopped accepting the warm and fuzzy feelings of actually feeling like he was with someone who would give him the time of day and became entranced with the thoughts of how to word the response to her big question without trying to make things any worse than they might become before having done so. It's very easy for anyone to say 'It won't change anything', but he's been down that road before, and it does change things. Just the word 'Outlaw', albeit without a few other words that could be made in conjunction with it, is enough to deter even the nicest of Pokémon with good intentions. And for that, Meadow is the very definition of the nicest of Pokémon, at least in Tanis' opinion. It was for that reason that he told her the truth as opposed to some bold-faced lie. He figured it could very well sting now, but maybe, just maybe, she may come to accept him now that she knew. Or leave him hanging out to dry, that's plausible too. Except when talking or trying to conjure a memory that he didn't have, his eyes remained on Meadow. Attempting to find any sort of sign that what she said would be something she would hold up to. Though he didn't want to admit it, her initial response was... Not promising. Though she still remained on him, albeit sat up, he could see her face twist to an emotion that wasn't specifically anger, but it nonetheless didn't fill Tanis with any more hope that she would stand by him. He didn't completely understand why, but for the first time in his life, he dearly wanted for someone to at least accept him, or tell him that, for once, they would stand if not by him, at least with him, keeping him as a friend and not as some traitorous garbage destined for the junk heap, or worse. Never having figured that admitting he was effectively no better than Lucifer in the regard of 'role' made him sick to his stomach. His confident bravado, if it could be called that, while already crumbled by the constant rain blasting near him, lay virtually in Meadow's lap, would she be alright with him being around her despite the fact that he's an Outlaw by definition, or would she shun him away like others have, if not worse. If nothing else, it would be especially painful for him if she had, considering just how much she has yearned to have a friend, and Tanis accepting to the idea of such a thing.

Her initial response, after what felt like an eternity from otherwise what was likely just a few seconds, didn't change all that much. Concluding that 'she knew it' didn't make anything change in terms of how he felt or what her response would be regarding it. Meadow had taken the opportunity at some point between him trying to conjure up a memory that he couldn't find, and this point, to return her head back onto his chest, and that was where she stayed, her face immediately out of his line of sight considering it was buried against his skin. As she continued though, her words became more and more fulfilling and a true testament to just how much she both cared about Tanis and both his and her own well-being, as well as clarifying her statement that nothing would change between them. But there was one thing that she bought up that he hadn't even considered before: Was it all on him? Meadow was no doubt talking about the trial that she was classing as unfair, among other things he never mentioned, but Tanis had never stopped to question just how much of all of the alleged things he was suspected of having done were actually done by him and not someone else and making it seem like it was him. His recollection of the events that led to his exile were vivid and while he has naturally forgotten some non-essential moments that didn't ultimate matter, what he did recall wasn't exactly, concrete, for lack of a better word. Most of the crimes he had supposed to have committed were largely decided based on witness testimony who, with more grandeur than he would let on, effectively just pointed at him and said he did it. That's not to say that's all it was, a few points involved some sort of physical evidence, items that Tanis had apparently used and discarded at some point that proved that he was there at the scene. Disregarding the acceptability of any of that, he has no recollection of doing any of it, not even the reason behind his initial banishment of the city limits. So who is to say that any of it was his doing? Meadow could very well be right! Admittedly he has no way of knowing if she's completely wrong either, but she has given him a new avenue of a method to approach it, and one he had not considered.

As Meadow continued however, Tanis felt more and more back at ease both from his surroundings, and for Meadow in general. The unease and uncertainty he felt from telling her something that he felt could tear them both apart, he felt vindicated that he did actually make the right choice. By telling her outright with everything he knew, he felt he wouldn't have to go through this ordeal twice, or more certainly, she wouldn't have to either. By saying it all outright and in plain ways where nothing could be construed, she would get the general picture without the mincing of words. So hearing her words reflected more on him that a fake façade and a fake tale would've done. To hear her proclaim his redemption, and his not wasting it, he wasn't entirely sure what she really meant exactly. Was she implying that being exiled to Invictus was a fresh start and not a place for the exiled to go when nowhere else wanted them? That said, the place wasn't exactly ripe with Outlaws and troublemakers in the populated areas, so he probably should've figured that out. Tanis' eyes were open and he was effectively transfixed on her and her words that by the time she moved herself to be more level to him, he didn't have any words of response or anything to do as a result. Just watching, and waiting, because it seemed like she had more to say, which she did. Not to mention that he saw in her puffed eyes that she had been crying, or at least shedding tears, which worried him a little only to the fact that he couldn't see an immediate reason behind it. Meadow virtually pushed her thoughts onto him, as if she was attempting to take the entirety of his burden and transform him into a brand new Pokémon worthy of being in the world. Displayed conveniently with more affection than he knew what to do with. How is it possible that he can not react to any of it. As she proclaimed the fact she had concluded that he was not a bad Pokémon, but before she rubbed against his cheek with her own, Tanis begun letting out the smallest cracks of what could very well be construed as a true smile. One that was mixed both with a great sense of relief, and a happiness that he hasn't felt for some time. In fact, he didn't even know when the last time was he felt like smiling just for being happy. Instinctively, Tanis closed his eyes as Meadow connected their cheeks together, allowing himself to re-feel the warmth that she had been sharing with him. Sharing warmth may very well be the reason that she has been on him for so long and doing these little extra connections, but it did make him feel better on an emotional level, especially now. By the time she returned back to her original position: Digging her face into nuzzling his chest and hugging his sides, he was content again. He wouldn't have minded if she had stayed where she was on his cheek, though perhaps she felt that was too forward or otherwise uncomfortable for herself, so he didn't force her back.

But the one thing that didn't change was his smile, which had grown wider, and though some of his... Unkind nature still seemed to be exhibiting its ugly head, there was no denying that it was a genuine smile, and directed at Meadow and her words. Not to a random thought that's flowing through his mind, and not by a silly antic that Meadow did, though there are a few things she does that are equally worth a goofy smile along with a laugh. It was not the only display that he proclaimed physically that showed that he was accepting her words as true and believed them. In the transition between the second change of her positioning, Tanis sat back up slightly so Meadow didn't have to reach as far to re-hug him, before slumping back down to his own original position. His entire body language was one that was relaxed, or more relaxed than during his confession at least. But most interestingly were his tails. While lacking a serious swing that Pokémon like a Growlithe would have when they're happy, constituted by a wagging of their tail, Tanis' tails were slowly moving towards one side, reverting back to position, then swinging slowly towards the other side. The entire process took about eight seconds to complete one full 'wag' of his tails, but it was still very much there and very much real. Tanis was pleased with this end result, and he wouldn't change a single thing about it. In fact, he was very prompt when Meadow commented, and apologized for bringing it up. In an instant, Tanis spoke in arguably the cheeriest manner he has done to date. "Thank you for accepting it... I don't show it, I know, but I do appreciate it. Thank you for keeping your promise..." And with that said, Tanis gently plopped his chin on her head, covering the top of her head, or some of it at least, with his own. Why did he do it? He didn't honestly know, but it was kind of too late to back out of it now that he'd done it. Not that he minded either way, he didn't have a problem with answering Meadow's reinitiated hug by removing some of her exposure from the air to get her warmer. This would work.

Changing the subject away from the previous matter at hand, which Tanis had zero problems with, and a confirmation that he had satisfied her curiosity in much the same way she had done so with him, she moved onto the subject of her garden. He didn't move from his 'chin on head' position, but he was listening to her words as she spoke. The way she spoke about both her garden and all the flowers in her house really made him wonder if maybe she was tending to a second flower store that was her home, at least that's what it sounded like. Though the talks of her garden and her home did have him consider their first meeting again when she spoke about the Pokémon that avoided her in her garden, he wondered if she had rectified the situation with them in some way. Now that he thought about it, she never did mention them again. She waited until there was a break in her talking before he opted to bring it up, it did intrigue him, and if nothing else, it allowed her to talk about a matter that did interest her, namely her garden, a little more. "I remember you telling me about your beautiful garden, I still wouldn't mind checking it out." He paused for a moment to allow Meadow the opportunity to digest what he said before popping the small question that cropped into his mind. "... Did you ever resolve those Pokémon that visited your garden, by the way? The ones that hid from you..." He was genuinely curious as to how she resolved the situation, if she has yet. He did enlighten her on what he felt was happening, so he had invested at least something into an interest about the matter. Obviously the situation between them wasn't as friendly as they both are now, obviously, but he was still curious.

Changing the subject slightly, Meadow chose to bring in a more interactive topic this time around, although admittedly Tanis didn't see too much of a problem discussing her garden, since he had something to inquire about that he held genuine curiosity about, but he didn't fuss over it. Meadow was a Pokémon that would change the subject on a whim without much context behind it, Tanis has gotten used to that. Maybe he'll pick up on that quirk and do it himself with enough time. Regardless, the subject went to food, and immediately hit him with a question about what his favourite is. For a brief moment, Tanis froze as his body reacted to his mind trying to conjure up an answer. He let out a soft and inquisitive 'Um' as he deliberated the matter. He wasn't much of a fussy eater, but he is a strict Herbivore, as his stomach is literally incapable of handling meat, lest he bought it all back up again. So his diet is largely from berries and flora. He had never really considered what he has eaten that he liked though, not because he lacked a tasting palette rather that he eats for sustenance rather than for tasting. There wasn't really much he could declare that would give him a favourite. "Well..." Tanis began, sounding unsure of himself, which wasn't too uncommon for him. However, before Tanis could continue his thought process, Meadow happily declared her own favourite food, granting him additional time to figure out his own, if nothing else.

And what a fruit it is!

Everything came to a head the moment she said the word 'Watermelon' the first time around. An innocent word that she hadn't even remotely considered the implications of what saying it could, or couldn't, do. It was also at that moment that she completely lost Tanis in terms of him actually listening to her. With her cheek on his chest, she may be in the prime position to hear his heartbeat, and how it had momentarily stopped as that very word crossed his ears, like an echo that was ringing through a cave. The actual word itself, while no doubt causing a little interference with him, has a much more profound and larger impact in combination that he's only just recently recovered from a Water fear shock to the system, in combination that the object of his 'delight' was feet away from him beyond a tarp that was holding the rain at bay nicely otherwise, if not the sound. His breathing stopped at the same instance that his heart did, and for that moment, it may have seemed as though he was about to suffer from a heart attack right in front of Meadow. Fortunately for the both of them, his body remembered that it needed both to function after a couple of seconds, and both continued their functions after Meadow completed speaking. Though by that point, Tanis wasn't even remotely listening to the rest of it, including the query at the end. His body immediately begun to shake, his heart rate increased to a higher and louder rate, his breathing shallow, and all other thoughts he had was completely diminished by just one very simple thing.

Tanis snapped his head and turned to the rain, which had begun to recede and die out, but it would still take a little time for it to completely do so. As if automatically, Tanis responded to the question with an answer that wasn't suited to it at all. "... … Wat-... W-What?! …. Where!?!" Was all he was capable of blurting out at a tone that was almost a whisper, but definitely a cry for help or something similar. Frantically, he has mistaken Meadow's word of 'Watermelon' as something that is in water, so instinctively he figured it was in the rain right now, and that it may be coming for him. The reason behind this is straightforward enough: Tanis doesn't know what a Watermelon is, nor heard of one. It didn't stop the name from reigniting his fear again though. Panicking as if the world was melting all around him, his unfocused eyes frantically searched within the depths of the cold-looking water droplets continually crashing into the ground for some sign of this melon that is apparently water. Not helping was the fact his sight was failing and was starting to become glorified shapes and colors bunched up together. Occasionally Tanis let out a whimper that seemed out of place, but only fuelled the panic and otherwise futile search attempts he was failing to perform. He daren't move a muscle beyond his whole body shaking from his spot, as if he was tethered to it. Nothing short of something water-induced coming right at him was going to make him move from his seated position. Good news for Meadow and her foot, though whether it made the situation better, that was still to be determined. Regardless, Tanis returned to becoming a shivering mess of a Grass type Pokémon that has been overtaken by fear once more. The one saving grace he does have, is that the reason for his first recovery from his initial burst, is with him from the outset this time. Not that he's thinking about that right now...

… Oops...

The drenching downpour, while it has diminished at least a little bit since reaching its peak a short while ago after starting, it was still very much prevalent and still a factor as to whether any Pokémon would be walking the streets, which it was doing a good job of preventing. Really only the most crazy of Pokémon, those prepared for it, or those who benefit from rain in the first place dared to face the storm that had brewed. Even then the wind didn't make the decision any better even for that small list of Pokémon, which had also diminished at this stage to be more of a sharp breeze rather than a debilitating issue. It didn't really help the situation at all with the continuous bombardment of raindrops smashing into the top of the tarp both Tanis and Meadow are seeking shelter under alongside the torrent of water flowing down the paths towards who knows where, moved by gravity. That is nothing short of a maximum point that is akin to being directly next to a large lake or a swimming pool mere inches away from teetering into the blue depths of the void that is called underwater. Although Tanis' shivering, whimpering and sharp gaze turning didn't diminish, it didn't escalate any more. A clear indication that this is the height of abject fear he was willing to showcase that didn't include screaming and running in some random direction that was not where he was. It is argued that he is technically in the best place he could conceivably be considering where he is and where he isn't. Of course a sturdy building or a more hardened roof would be more suitable, but barring getting kicked out of one of the shops he could go into, being underneath the tarp is what he considered the best among the choices. His body was content to stay exactly where he was, even if his brain wanted him to not be anywhere near this rain that he is too close to for his comfort.

He had been doing an okay enough job of keeping his composure, or as much of it as he could muster, by denying the idea that he was stuck and lumped with being immobile until the rain had moved on. It didn't seem all that bad since normally he would be curled up in a corner furthest away from the falling rain, under shelter, and mummering to himself wishing it would eventually go away and leave him alone to wallow in his self-pity. With Meadow present, he had someone that would occupy him enough that he wouldn't immediately be thinking about it, and maybe have a chance to relax... Kind of. Whether Tanis would be perfectly capable of relaxing with a storm brewing just meters away from him is definitely up to question. But he was comfortable enough with her that he knew she wouldn't try anything on him, and thus he could relax a little more than normal. There's always a reason to keep at least a little guard up at all time, not so much because of Meadow herself, but more to the Pokémon that was around. Admittedly that did mostly become null and void with the rain's appearance, but it didn't make him feel any better at all. So with his sudden surge of fear and shaking, he's in some kind of mix between tension and panic. Every muscle in his body that he could tense, indeed became tense, though only as a direct response to his body shaking and is a direct response to feeling threatened and intimidated... By water of all things. His vision and hearing failing him is an additional response to his body accepting his fear and is periodically the reason he usually sits in a corner far away from his fear wishing it would go away.

It wasn't all bad however, Meadow was willing to answer his question concerning the inhabitants of her garden. Indeed those Pokémon who, by technical standpoints, are trespassing on her property, scurry immediately as she approaches them. Originally Tanis suspected that the reason they were doing that was because they must've been scared of her, or otherwise threatened because of that very reason of trespass. He also concluded, though didn't state out loud, that they likely saw her as a threat that could best them in a battle and kick them out afterwards. While that is a plausible scenario, and Meadow has shown some excellent competence in the fight, he didn't say it at the time because, prior to him saying his original statement, he didn't know what her battle capacity was considering she brushed off his attempts to start one up with him. Now that he has come to know her at least a little bit, he surmised that was likely not the reason, and was more likely because they are technically trespassing without consent, so run before she can tell them off... Or welcome them with open arms. Actually, he figured she would pick that option rather than scold them and kick them out... By the sounds of Meadow's response however, it sounds like she hasn't had much in the way of success. Again, that could be a few reasons for that, but he thinks the reason could very well be because they are scared, if not of her, than by what she would do if she caught them. Considering she wants to extend their stay formally and make sure they know they are welcome, perhaps what she needs is a new approach. Tanis absorbed her response to his query with some interest. This was definitely a conundrum indeed. That said, what use could he even be to the cause? It's true he's a Grass type and some of the Pokémon in her garden are likely Grass types themselves, but he has never let any Pokémon come close to scaring him off without a scuffle first. So the fact that there's some scaredy Pokémon doing that with Meadow is both baffling, and a little foreign. Ignoring the idea that any Pokémon would run away in fear from arguably the most welcoming Pokémon to ever exist, what would Tanis even know about fearing a Pokémon?

Sadly, nothing... But there is still something he fears!

The correlation between the food watermelon, and the fact that it has the word 'water' in its name served little in terms of making Tanis feel better about himself as his panic came in full force. Although Meadow, through experience or being subject to fearful scenarios a little more frequently than Tanis does, was impacted albeit to a lesser degree than what Tanis is sporting. Nonetheless, she sprung to action only a little after the initial reaction set off. In a repeat, minus the towels, of what she performed last time, she attempted to sooth Tanis in the best way she knows how. This time he is able to feel her attempts as opposed to the previous times. Although he did know that she had clambered up to his head and did, something, her repeating the task should in theory rouse him from his stupor and bring him back to his senses, right? There's a short and long answer to that question. The short answer is technically no. The longer answer is that it does, but not for the reason she likely suspects. Of course why she was doing the act was obvious: She is trying to calm Tanis down and bring him back to a non-panicked state. Comforting him is her answer by rubbing the back of his head and reminding him that everything is okay. She is not wrong, those two methods are what ultimately return Tanis back to reality again, as it did the first time around. What she likely doesn't suspect is the real reason. It's not the comforting or her words as such that bring him back, its the distraction she creates. By literally getting directly in his face and making her presence felt, Tanis is forced to recognise that there is something on him and it requires his attention. This in turn will make him stop thinking about the rain that's going on beside him, and promptly neglect the thought of watermelons, or water in general, to start thinking about this weight that is talking to him. That's why, when Meadow gently reassured him that everything was okay, he was listening. She was so close to his ear that even his failing hearing could pick up her exact words. He knew immediately who the weight was at that stage, and it both told him to pay attention a bit, and not to try shaking her off. Which would've been the action had it been anybody, or anything, else.

Bringing up her garden definitely did wonders for Meadow's own personal panicked state, as Tanis, much like Meadow did earlier, could somehow hear her heartbeat, likely due to how close her chest is prior to his ears. Discussing her garden proudly, as he could've guessed, bought her mood back slowly from worrying about Tanis, back to a more happier mood. As she continued bringing it up, she returned to her former self until she was back to normal. In a similar turn, listening to Meadow discuss her garden brought Tanis from thinking about whatever dreadful thought was plaguing his mind and reverted his attention back to her. Unfortunately, it took a sight longer for him to recover than it did for her. It was his vision and hearing that returned first. A while after that, his whimpering stopped. His shaking and heavier breathing would take a while longer to subside, longer than Meadow's discussion took. Her quaint garden, as he had suspected from the first time she expressed how serene and magnificent her garden was, sounded like a real treat to go to. Is it really any wonder that there are uninvited guests living in there? The only real issue, if it could be called that, was talking about anything he wanted. Though he wasn't putting too much thought into her words at this point, considering his state, no immediate subjects came to his mind. Even so, he had considered at least visiting her garden at least once, though not for a little while yet, here she is granting him effectively an open invite again. He couldn't recall if she had actually properly extended him an invitation to actively go there the last time, if she did, it didn't properly register, or was nothing more than a passing thought from an otherwise rambling Pichu at that time. Now though, it's a much more tempting prospect. His mind immediately thought of what her garden would be like while sunny. Then it went to whether she had anywhere that may make an excellent place to sunbathe. Then napping, and then a few other matters that further took his mind away from what was going on around him.

Tanis grimaced ever so slightly when she bought up the prospect of having to deal with more rain, but her promise to not let the mean rain get him did make him chuckle. Amidst his concerns and his still shaking body, Tanis let out a half-hearted chuckle. There's the sign that Meadow might've been looking for to showcase that he's doing better now. Not picture perfect of course, but a sign of definite improvement! He wasn't chuckling because he though the notion of protecting him against the rain was ridiculous, as he did believe, at least somewhat, that she make a serious attempt at doing it for him. But it was the fact she called the rain 'mean'. That wasn't a word that he would use to call rain, but considering how gentle Meadow prefers to be about 99% of the time, when not yelling at Absol's about how repulsive they are, mean is a rather strong word to use for something that could be construed as essential for a Florist like herself. Well, at the very least it removes the need to water plants that are outside if nothing else. IIt's a mere use of the word that she was using likely to make him feel a little better. And it did, albeit again for a slightly different reason than she maybe wanted. Nonetheless, it certainly aided in furthering her cause, so no fault in her uses on that occasion. But the way she addressed the pressing issue is what gave Tanis food for thought. Technically speaking, she could construe his aversion to water, or rain specifically, to the time she was scared out of her wits end against Lucifer. Though two completely different scenarios, both respective parties were well within the cusp of fear, and yet the other did what was within their power in an attempt to calm the other down and at least attempt to make things better. Of course Meadow took things quite literal in her example by gaining so much unseen courage that she began having a verbal spat with him before prematurely beginning round three with her Disarming Voice.

… Okay, maybe that's a bit more of a stretch than just having courage.

But her words did not go unnoticed, unlike the Absol she detested so much. The promise sounded enlightening, Tanis would confess. But it wasn't a demon that he wanted her to face like a rabid mouse. He has been doing a solid job of keeping himself away from situations like these where he got stomped by rain. It's unavoidable sometimes, that much is obvious. He could've avoided it today had he not opted to visit Meadow at her workplace today. If he had done that though, then she'd probably still be struggling getting to that Teddiursa's place. Even so, he still appreciated the fact that she'd at least be willing to try and subvert his demons with him. Not entirely sure what she'd do exactly, but finding out would make for an interesting time, that much is for certain. Finally having enough will and sense to move about and not fall flat on his back, he stretches both his arms, placing his left paw up against the wall to prevent his balance from failing him all of a sudden, the other paw latched itself onto Meadow's lower back. In spite of all that she has done and all he hadn't, she still had an injury that he had to at least be aware that existed on her. Her position felt a little unnatural to him still, so he didn't want her to risk her going anywhere that she didn't want to go if she suddenly slid off him and landed awkwardly, aggravating her broken foot again. At least with his paw on her back, she won't be moving without him guiding her there. There's still some use for his natural grip, even if not climbing walls. Doing this is also his method of showing physically that he's back.... Enough at least... from a quivering mess. Words will follow his actions of course, but he's a Pokémon of action, not so much words. So this came natural to him, the words, second.

It took him a couple of tries to formulate what he wanted to say. His brain still not fully focused on the discussion at hand, his still prominent shaking wasn't making things much easier for his speech either, so he also needed to spend a few seconds to figure out how to translate what he thought to say into actual physical words without making him sound like a complete goofball. Though that's not tough giving how he is anyway. "... Y-you're right about th-that, Meadow. I would." He had done it once, not to mention helped her physically at least once so far today, and he would do so again. It's true that Favors are a thing for him, and those would construe as doing someone a Favor. As a friend, Meadow needn't worry about that stuff, he just does, he doesn't query whether he should. Nonetheless, it does make an interesting thought as to whether or not he would make a very effective 'hero' if he would remain inactive without a Favor pushing his actions. Would he be seen as a respectable Pokémon were he more proactive in his methods? The world may not know... For now at least. Tanis steeled himself for the next portion of his response, he wanted to accept her words instead of just smiling and nodding... Not that he was doing either of that earlier. "I-I do want to see your g-garden... If other P-Pokémon like it there, it m-m-must be nice there, right?" If nothing else, maybe there's something he can do to bring the Pokémon out of hiding. Think maybe threatening them will work?

Meadow's flavors and happiness question allowed Tanis a little more time to recover a little more over his woes. However brief that gave him. With not a watermelon mentioned, it's much less likely that Meadow's query is going to be ignored this time around. Even so, he's still not that much of a fussy eater and will effectively eat pretty much anything. Not exactly living the lap of luxury in this world. But was there a particular flavour that he savoured much that he'd maybe save for last if he had his choice? Tanis contemplated the thought for a little bit as he debated what he would call his favorite. Meadow noticed the millisecond he thought of something as if it hit him like a hammer to his head followed by an audible 'Ah!' to confirm that he had indeed reached a successful answer. There was one slight snag however... "I... Don't quite recall what it's called exactly. It's a type of berry." Which was about as non-descriptive as someone could get, but fortunately he did follow up that response with a description of this berry. According to him, the berry looks like a cluster of small round 'blobs', blue in color with a mostly sweet flavour with a hint of sour too. Eating it usually made him thirsty, but it didn't stop him from eating them. They're not common, unfortunately, but he didn't have problems knowing Pokémon who had them in the past. But it was the last point in his description that may very well sell the notion as to which type of berry it is to Meadow. "It does turn my tongue black for a while... I don't know why. It's a good berry though. Have you tried it?" The actual question to ask is: Does Meadow know what the Primeape he's talking about? Sadly, Tanis doesn't recall what the name of the berry is as he typically either finds it, or the Pokémon showcases the 'wares' and he just declares he wants 'that one'. That works well enough.

All that being said, eating food like that doesn't specifically make him happy persay. Eating is a necessary must for almost all Pokémon, same goes for drinking, sleeping and all that other stuff he neglected to think about. He doesn't find enjoyment in such an activity unfortunately. So, then, what makes him happy? Unlike the food question, that doesn't take him much time to think about, as he actually does know what he enjoys. Secretly he suspects Meadow knows too and has forgotten... Or she's being courteous. "Eating doesn't make me happy though... Battling, on the other paw..." Ah yes. How can one forget that Tanis loves himself a good battle! While Meadow is very much content tending to her flowers and sending out deliveries to customers, Tanis finds himself most at home in a good skirmish. A good fight that test his mettle, win or lose, is sufficient enough to calm him down and content him for a good portion of the day. He figured Meadow already knew that one however. If she didn't, saying that would likely jog her memory very quickly. He did try coercing her into one after all. So, let's throw one she may not have heard at her too and see how she'll react to that. "Besides that... I like sunbathing. Laying in the sun is... Relaxing." Now that's a good way of getting him to forget the turmoil of the storm brewing around them both. What better way to reverse psychology him than to have him forget about the rain and have him think about the sun instead, the direct polar opposite of what he needs to think about to take his mind off things. Oh yes, now that makes for a good therapy session! While Tanis has now started daydreaming of relaxing in the sunlight and basking in its glory, this maybe doesn't come as a total surprise to Meadow either considering his knack of using Solarbeam, the very move that requires sunlight to work most efficiently. It would make good sense that he would want to be within its rays as much as possible... And equal reason why he wouldn't want to be in the rain.

It takes Tanis a little bit to snap himself from his daydream. Startled, he coughs before speaking again. "Ah... Sorry. You were talking about what makes you happy?" His state, much like Meadows, had calmed for the most part at this stage, having reverted back to a much more manageable state. His brain had not quite fully recovered from the ordeal and his body still showing signs of shivering despite sharing Meadow's and her scarf's warmth, nonetheless, healing takes a bit more time for most things, this is just another example.